Saxophone



July 10, 1951 w. s. BULLOCK SAXOPHONE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 5, 1949 Wilz'am ATTORNEY y 10, 1951 w. s. BULLOCK 2,560,083

SAXOPHONE Filed Nov. 5, 1949 2 SheetsSheet 2 #1 7 INVENTOR ATTORNEY I Patented July 10, 11951- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

My invention relates to new and useful improvements in musical instruments and more particularly to an instrument of the wood wind type, such as the baritone saxophone, although the invention about to be described may be embodied in the alto, tenor, C melody base, and soprano saxophone.

One of the objects of the invention is to improve the mounting of a group of keys that are played by the little finger of the left hand, these keys controlling the G sharp, low B flat, low B natural and the low C sharp keys, so as ta eliminate some of the difiiculties now encountered in playing intricate passages employing the notes above mentioned.

Still another object of the invention relates to the arrangement of the keys above mentioned, which facilitates the rolling down of the little finger on to the low B fiat and the low B natural and the low C sharp, which is especially desirable where rapid passages have to be played.

Still another object of the invention is to arrange the low B fiat, the low E natural and the low C sharp keys in slightly different planes, that is, the low B flat key slightly behind the low B natural key, and this in turn slightly behind the low C sharp key.

Still another object of the invention is to provide the G sharp bar with a roller extending substantially throughout its length, and this bar and roller normally in a plane in advance of the rollers that are on the low B fiat, the low B natural and the low C sharp keys.

Still another object of the invention is to have the G sharp bar move forwardly and rearwardly in substantially a straight line rather than swing on a vertical pivotal axis, this forward and rearward movement being illustrated in the patent to Loney 2,180,118 of November 14, 1939; butit being understood that the G sharp bar is never to the rear of any of the rollers on the B flat, B natural and low C sharp keys, but always in vertical alignment therewith, or in advance of the same, thus making it possible to roll the little finger down on to these last-mentioned rollers with less effort and permitting faster playing of the passages.

With these and other objects in view, the in-' vention consists in certain new and novel arrangements and combination of parts, as will r be hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claims.

Referring now to the drawings, showing a pre- Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view taken at right angles to Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3a is a view similar to Fig. 3, but with the tone hole cover being shown as swung to its open position,

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 44 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary face viewof the group of keys that are controlled by the little finger of the left hand, and showing a part.

of the connecting rods,

Fig. 6 is a, View taken at right angles to Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the key group, showing the several connections,

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 8--B of Fig. 5,

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line .9-9 of Fig. 5, and

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line l0l0 of Fig. 5.

It might be mentioned at the outset that only the key mechanism that forms parts of the pres-i ent invention is illustrated; but it is to be understood, of course, that the usual key mechanism for the other notes is to be provided.

The saxophone as shown in Fig. 1 is composed of the usual longitudinal branch I, which tapers in one direction; has the bow or bend 2 which.

Also, in the longitudinal branch I may be seen a tone hole cover 9 for the C sharp tone hole; These are the four keys and their mechanism,

which form the gist of the present invention.

It might also be mentioned that the rods, pivots and connections for the B flat, B naturalv and C sharp tone holes all follow the conven-;

tional type of saxophone; while the connections from the G sharp bar down to the tone hol'e differ from the conventional type and more closely follow the type shown in the patent to Loney above mentioned.

However, the different vertical planes in which the conventional and additional rollers for the G sharp bar, the B fiat, B natural and C sharp are positoned depart from the conventional type, as will shortly be set forth.

Looking now at the G sharp key It], it will be noticed that it is provided along substantially its entire lower edge with the roller so that the little finger of the left hand, when placed anywhere on the key In can be moved down directly on the roller l.

Glancing at Fig. 6, it will be seen that connected to the back of this G sharp key bar I!) is the rod I2 which in turn has its distal end l3 cormected to the vertically extending rod M. This rod I4 has its lower end I5 pivotally mounted as at H5 in the post I'l.

It will also be noticed that the spring I8 is mounted on the rod I4 and bears against the small pad I9 mounted on the longitudinal branch I of the saxophone. This spring l8 always tends to keep the G sharp bar IE] in its position shown in Fig. 6. There is also a small post 20 that acts as a limit for the inward movement of the rod I4 and its G sharp key bar It. The spring I8 is stronger than the spring 25 (to be mentioned hereafter) that operates on the tone hole cover 9 for the G sharp key l so that normally the G sharp tone hole 9 is closed.

Also on this rod |4 that is operated from the G sharp key bar I0 is formed the small lug or arm 2| which normally bears against the undersurface of a somewhat similar arm 22 that is formed on the rod 23 on which rod 23 is also mounted the tone hole cover 9 for the G sharp tone hole. This rod 23 also has the small lug 24 associated therewith, and bearing against the same is the spring 25 which is mounted at one end in the post 26 which also supports the rod 23 to which the tone hole cover 9 is secured.

Now, as beforementioned, the spring I8 is stronger than the spring 25, so that normally the G sharp key bar ID will be in the position shown in Fig. 6 in full lines; and the lug 2| pressing against the lug 22 will overcome the action of the spring 25 and keep the tone hole cover 9 closed. However, when the G sharp key In is pressed inwardly, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6, the lug 2| will relieve the pressure on the lug 22 and the spring 25 bearing against the small pin 24 will allow therod 23 to rock .and open the tone hole cover 9.

Now, the normal position of the G sharp key bar H], as shown in Fig. 6, is very important; and it will be noticed that it and its roller I I are in a plane in advance of the B flat, the B natural and the C sharp keys; and when the key I0 is depressed to the dotted line position, it is in alignment with the C sharp key, as will be described more in detail.

Looking now at Fig. and the B flat key 21, it will be noticed that its outer periphery is of inverted pear shape and its one side protruding slightly beyond the adjacent end of the G sharp key bar I0, Mounted in the upper edge of this key 21 is the small horizontally mounted roller 21a. The plate 21 is then slightly cut away as at 29 to receive the vertically positioned roller 2") that is partly under the aforementioned roller 21a.

The inner edge of the key 2? is of irregular shape and has a horizontal edge 30 in which is mounted a horizontal roller 21c and its vertical inner edge 3| is provided with a roller 21d that is inclined slightly inwardly from a vertical plane. Thus, it will be noticed that on this B flat key 21 there are four rollers, two horizontally positioned, one vertically positioned, and the lowermost roller inclined slightly from the vertical.

Now, looking at the C sharp key 32, it will be noticed that it has a curved downwardly extend- 4 I ing outer edge 33 and a substantially straight inner edge 34, which, however, departs from the vertical at two positions to receive the rollers now to be mentioned.

The upper edge of the key 32 is also provided with a horizontally positioned roller 32a which is directly under the roller I in the G sharp key bar I0, this roller 320. being in the same relative position on the key 32 as the roller 27a is on the B flat key 21. Also on the inner vertical edge of the key 32 is the vertically positioned roller 3% similar to the roller 211), and in the lower portion of the key 32 is the roller 32c, positioned adjacent the roller 21d in the B flat key 2?.

It will also be noticed that this key 32 is much wider than in the conventional forms of saxophone.

Reference is now made to the B natural key 35. Still glancing at Fig. 5, it will be seen that the B natural key 35 is of the conventional type, with the exception that it has a small horizontal roller 35a directly beneath the roller I in the G sharp key bar It; so that we have the rollers 27a and 32a and this last mentioned roller 35a all in horizontal alignment, and directly beneath the roller of the G sharp key bar ID.

The key 33 also has the two vertical rollers 35b directly beneath the roller 35a and directly above the roller 270 on the B flat key in. This B natural key 35 is of the conventional type and is set between the inner edges of the B flat key 27 and the C sharp key 32.

The rods and arms connecting the B flat key 2'5, the B natural key 35, and the C sharp key 32 will shortly be referred to, but it might be mentioned at this time, as in all Saxophones when the B flat key 2? is depressed, it also affects the B natural key 35, although the B natural key 35 may be operated independently of the B flat key 21.

Now, the gist of the invention is the provision of the roller I on the G sharp key bar It), which key l0, it will be remembered, moves rearwardly when depressed through its entire length rather one in advance of the other.

than being pivoted at one end; plus the arrangement of the additional horizontal rollers 21a, 35a and 3206 on the respective keys 2?, 35 and 32; plus the inclined roller 27d on the B flat key 2?, and the roller 320 on the C sharp key 32; plus the probably most important feature, that the roller II on the G sharp key It] is in a vertical plane in advance of the rollers 21a, 35a and 320:, which rollers in turn are also in different vertical planes, This may be seen in Fig. 6, and when the G sharp key II with its roller II is depressed, it will assume the dotted line position shown in Fig. 6, and will be directly above the roller 32a of the C sharp key 32.

Referring now for the moment to the connections between the G sharp key M, the B flat key 21, the B natural key 35 and the C sharp key 32, and their respective tone hole covers 9, 5, I, and 8, it will be remembered, as pointed out, that the G sharp key ||l operates the pad 3 through the arm I2 connected at its lower end I3 to the rod l4.

The B flat key 21 operates the pad or cover 6 by an arm 4|] fastened to the key 21; and this arm 40 in turn is connected to the rod 4|, to which is connected the pad 6, as is conventional in saxophones.

In the same way, the B natural key 35 is mounted on a rod 42 directly in back of the rod 40, and this rod 42 is connected to the vertical rod 43. At the lower end of the vertical rod 43 is a link 44 which is rigidly connected to the rod 45, which connects with the pad I.

It is also to be remembered that a depression of the key 21 by the little finger will also cause a depression of the B-natural key 35; but, on the other hand, the B natural key 35 may be operated, or in other words, depressed, without depressing the B flat key 21.

It might be mentioned that the rod 45 and the rod 4| are coaxially mounted.

The C sharp key 32 has an arm 46 fastened thereto which in turn operates or pivots the rod 41, which carries and opens the tone hole cover or pad 8.

As heretofore mentioned, these various connections lust outlined are conventional, and the only one that varies, as heretofore pointed out, is the manner in which the G sharp key l0 and its tone hole cover 9 are actuated, as the key [0 moves in a straightforward and backward movement.

It is also to be remembered, however, that the arrangement of the G sharp key II], the B flat key 21, the B natural key 35 and the C sharp key 32, and the planes in which they are positioned, and the additional rollers, form the gist of the present invention.

There are also other advantages in the arrang'ement above mentioned. Thus, with my improved arrangement, a movement of the little finger of the player may be much more rapid and more easily accomplished when it is desired to roll down from the roller H of the G sharp key bar [0 to the roller 32a, as the finger is in a plane in advance of this roller 32a; and after the G sharp key bar 10 is depressed, the little finger can quickly roll down on the roller 32a as the rollers I I and 32a are then in vertical alignment.

The same fact is true when it is also desired to roll from the roller H to the roller a of the B natural ke 35; and likewise on the roller 21a ofthe B flat key 21.

Thus, it will be seen that the key arrangement makes the change from the G sharp key bar In to any of the lower keys, that is, the B fiat key 21, the B natural key 35 and the C sharp key 32, much easier than the conventional arrangement.

It will also be seen that when the C sharp key 32 is depressed, it is even with the B natural key 35, because the B natural key 35 i normally placed behind the C sharp key 32; and when the B natural key 35 is depressed, it will be even with the B flat key 21, because the B fiat key 21 is placed slightly behind the B natural key 35.

It will be remembered on the conventional type that these above-mentioned keys are arranged in line with each other in the normal position; and when the C sharp key is depressed, it swings on an angle in the same manner as the conventional G sharp bar. The C sharp key is then behind the B natural key and any quick change from C sharp to B natural is difficult as the little finger of the left hand must roll upwards in order to get on to the B natural key. The same difliculty also occurs when changing from B natural to B flat because of this conventional arrangement.

However, with th arrangement just set out, all these difficulties are eliminated because one key is behind or in advance of the other, as above explained.

It will be understood, of course, that the B flat key 21, the B natural key 35, and the C sharp key 32 are pivotally arranged as in the conventional form of saxophone, but they are not in the same vertical planes as heretofore mentioned.

Also, by having the roller 21d that is on the key 2"l-directly opposite the roller 350 on the C sharp key 32, it is a simple matter to roll from the B flat key 21 over to the C sharp key 32, and vice versa.

Another advantage of my improved arrangement-is that the little finger can roll more quickly from these various keys, and even though the G sharp key H] is in a depressed position, it is still in vertical alignment with the C sharp key 32, while the B natural key 35 and the B flat key 21 are still in a plane to the rear of the G sharp key-Ill.

Furthermore, by providing rollers as shown, the rolling from any one key to the other is simplified; and also, as heretofore mentioned, the difficult passages can be played more rapidly and more expertly.

It will also be understood that I have only shown that much of the saxophone and the keys above mentioned that are thought necessary to explain the present invention; and, of course, all the other keys will be mounted in the conventional manner.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A-saxophone including four adjacent finger plate keys mounted thereon, for the G sharp, B fiat, B natural and C sharp respectively; the G sharp key normally positioned in a vertical plane above and in advance of the other three keys all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone the said saxophone having tone holes therein, covers for the tone holes, and

means connected with the respective keys and said tone hole covers for actuating the tone hole covers when said keys are operated.

2. A saxophone including four adjacent finger platekeys mounted thereon, for the G sharp, B fiat, B natural and C sharp respectively; the G sharpkey normally positioned in a vertical plane above and projecting beyond the other three keys all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone the C sharp key in a vertical plane in advance of the B natural key, and the B natural key in a plane in advance of the B fiat key, and the G sharp key when depressed being in the same vertical plane as the C sharp key; the said saxophone having tone holes therein, covers for the tone holes, and means connected with the respective keys and said tone hole covers for actuating the tone hole covers when said keys are operated.

3. A saxophone including four adjacent finger plate keys mounted thereon, for the G sharp, B fiat, B natural and C sharp respectively; the G sharp key having a horizontal roller in its lower edge; the B fiat, B natural and C sharp keys also having horizontal rollers in their upper edges and positioned beneath the roller in the G sharp key, but all four keys with their rollers lying in different vertical planes all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone, and the B fiat, B natural and C sharp rollers normally lying in vertical planes between the planes of the roller in the G sharp key and the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone; the said saxophone having tone holes and covers for the tone holes; and means connected with the respective keys and said tone hole covers for actuating the tone hole covers when said keys are operated.

4. A saxophone including four adjacent finger plate keys mounted thereon, for the G sharp, B flat, B natural and C sharp respectively; the G sharp key normally positioned in a vertical plane above and projecting beyond the other three keys all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone a roller in the lower edge of the G sharp key substantially oo-extensive in length with its key; the B fiat key having a horizontal roller in its upper edge and beneath the roller in the G sharp key a second roller vertically positioned on the B flat key directly beneath the said horizontally positioned roller; a third horizontally positioned roller on the B fiat key parallel with the first mentioned horizontal roller on the B flat key, but in a plane below the vertical roller; and a fourth roller on the inner lower edge of the B fiat key and disposed at an angle from the vertical.

5; A saxophone including four adjacent finger plate keys mounted thereon, for the G sharp, B flat B natural and C sharp respectively; the G sharp key normally positioned in a vertical plane above and projecting beyond the other three keys all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone a roller in the lower edge of the G sharp key and substantailly coextensive in length therewith; the C sharp key having a horizontal roller in its upper edge and below the roller in the G- sharp key; a second roller vertically positioned on the inner edge of the C sharp key and beneath the horizontal roller in the upper edge of the C sharp key; and a third roller near the lower inner edge of the key and inclined at an angle from the vertical.

6. A saxophone including four adjacent finger plate keys mounted thereon, for the G sharp, B flat, B natural and C sharp respectively; the G sharp key normally positioned in a vertical plane above and projecting beyond the other three keys all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone a roller in the lower edge or the G sharp key substantially co-extensive in length therewith; the B natural key having a horizontal roller in its upper edge directly beneath the roller in the G sharp key, and two vertically positioned rollers in the B natural key positioned slightly below the above-mentioned horizontal roller; and the B flat, the B natural and the C sharp keys normally positioned in different vertical planes with respect to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone.

'7. A saxophone, including four adjacent finger plate keys for the G sharp, B flat, B natural and C sharp, respectively; the B flat, the B natural and the C sharp keys mounted on a vertical pivotal axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone, the G sharp key mounted on a horizontal pivotal axis on the branch of the saxophone and adapted to move towards and away from the branch of the saxophone in substantially a straight line, the G sharp key also normally lying in a vertical plane and in front of the other three aforementioned keys, all relative to the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone.

8. A saxophone, including four adjacent finger plate keys for the G sharp, B fiat, B natural and C sharp respectively; the B fiat, the B natural and the C sharp keys mounted on a vertical pivotal axis and in a plane parallel with the longitudinal axis of the branch of the saxophone, the G sharp key mounted on a horizontal pivotal axis, spaced slightly from the branch of the saxophone, and said key adapted to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the branch of the saxophone; the four above-mentioned keys all lying in difierent vertical adjacent planes with respect to the branch of the longitudinal axis of the saxophone.

WILLIAM S. BULLOCK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,873,184 Calvani Aug. 23, 1932 2,055,382 Loomis Sept. 22, 1936 2,180,118 Loney Nov. 14, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 653,794 France Nov. 19, 1928 

